Bullying Experiences Of Nursing Students During Clinical Placement In A Selected University In Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

urpose: This study aimed to asses the prevalence and consequences of bullying, and explored these issues experienced by nursing students.

Patients and methods: This study used a descriptive survey. A convenience sample of 248 undergraduate nursing student from level 4 to 8 from a selected university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  An adapted online questionnaire the Student Experience of Bullying during Clinical Placement (SEBDCP) was used. 

Results: There are 51% of the respondents who experienced bullying either in the academic or clinical setting.  The top sources of the bullying were the friends of the nursing students (60%). Majority of the students, which are (54%) had their academic achievement affected negatively and (49%) considered leaving nursing.

Conclusion: Nursing students actually experience bullying both in the academic and clinical settings by their peers and other health care professionals. Bullying is a phenomenon among nursing students that is not appropriately addressed and prioritized by authorities in both academic and clinical settings. Students remain silent and vulnerable to bullying.